Archive for the ‘Nissan Leaf’ Category

Another day, another development in the race to put autonomous driving technology on the road. The latest bit of news comes from Nissan, which announced plans to roll out an autonomous ride-sharing pilot program with tech partner DeNA. The public test will take place in the Minatomirai district in Yokohama, Japan.

“The program, called Easy Ride, is envisioned as a service that works similarly with the autonomous ride sharing programs Uber and Waymo are already doing”

The program, called Easy Ride, is envisioned as a service that works similarly with the autonomous ride sharing programs Uber and Waymo are already doing. But before diving into deep waters, Nissan and DeNA will take things slowly, beginning with a two-week test run that will take place between March 5 and 18, 2018. Modified Nissan Leaf electric cars will be used in the program. Nissan and DeNA have also created a dedicated website where volunteers can sign up to be part of the program.

Eventually, Nissan envisions the Easy Ride program to become a full-fledged service that will supplement the current transportation services we have today. Robo-Taxis will sit at the forefront of this program, all of which can be used by the general public. It’s not clear if Nissan plans to build unique models for these autonomous cars in the future, but given that the company is using modified Leafs for this trial run, it’s likely that the electric car will get the first shot at bringing the Easy Ride program to life.

Introduced in 2010, the Nissan Leaf set many benchmarks in the electric car market and has become one of the most popular EVs out there. But, after seven years on the market, the Leaf got a bit long in the tooth, and with other companies having introduced more modern EVs in this niche, Nissan had no choice but to develop a second-generation model. Unveiled for the 2018 model year, the new Leaf is better in just about any department, but it’s still not as powerful and efficient as the recently unveiled Chevrolet Bolt and Tesla Model 3. This could change in 2018 when Nissan is reportedly planning to launch a Nismo version of its electric hatchback.

Although Nissan has yet to confirm that a Leaf Nismo is underway, the concept unveiled at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show pretty much confirms that the Japanese firm is working on one. What’s more, the brand already announced that a “higher power, longer range version at a higher price” variant of the Leaf is in the works for the 2019 model year. Specs are still a mystery at this point, but the Nismo concept provides a few valuable hints as to what we may get in dealerships soon. Find out what we already know about the upcoming Nismo Leaf in the speculative review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Nissan Leaf Nismo.

Previous Leaf Nismo Creations

“Although it has yet to launch a production Leaf Nismo as of 2017, Nissan has been toying with the idea since 2010”

Although it has yet to launch a production Leaf Nismo as of 2017, Nissan has been toying with the idea since the first-generation Leaf arrived back in 2010. The first Nismo concept based on the Leaf, the Nismo RC, was actually a very radical interpretation. Showcased at the 2011 New York Auto Show, it had a race-inspired aerodynamic kit and a full carbon-fiber monocoque body which made it about 40-percent lighter than the standard model. The Nismo RC was designed to run for around 20 minutes under full racing conditions and testing revealed a 0-to-62 mph sprint of 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 93 mph. The drivetrain was identical to the production Leaf. Nissan reportedly built eight units, but none was sold to customers.

A second Nismo concept was launched at the 2011 Tokyo Motor Show, this time around in a more production-friendly format. Although not as aggressive as the Nismo RC, this concept has a revised aerodynamic kit inspired by the race car, new alloy wheels, and bespoke features inside the cabin. The drivetrain, on the other hand, was again identical to the standard Leaf’s. In early 2013, Nissan announced that the Leaf Nismo will be produced in small numbers for the Japanese market, but no production model was launched so far.

Exterior

With Nissan having already unveiled what appears to be a production-ready Leaf Nismo at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show, the sportier version of the company’s already familiar EV isn’t much of a mystery. However, while the concept car may look ready to go into production with the exact same body features, the Japanese firm may choose to change a thing or two. And this rendering by X-Tomi Design shows what we may get at dealerships.

The concept car sports a range of familiar Nismo upgrades, starting with a red-painted front splitter and slimmer LED daytime running lights integrated into black trim with a honeycomb structure. The center hood is finished in black for a sportier look. While these features are very plausible for a production model, Nissan may choose to give the EV a redesigned bumper with a larger grille, as well as bigger daytime running lights. The rendering also includes an actual honeycomb grille instead of the blue 3D mesh and I think this would be a really cool feature, despite the Leaf not needing an actual grille for cooling.

Note: 2017 Nissan Leaf Nismo Concept pictured here.

“Onto the sides, the production model should look very similar to the concept and include more aggressive side skirts”

Onto the sides, the production model should look very similar to the concept and include more aggressive side skirts with red detailing and matching mirror caps. A set of new, larger wheels is also on the table, but it remains to be seen whether the production model will get the concept’s two-tone rims. A slightly lower ride should add extra sportiness.

Around back, Nismo upgrades should include a revised roof spoiler in black to match the C-pillars, and a diffuser-like element. The concept car features a two-piece device with red accents and a Formula One style brake light in the middle and I think it’s very similar to what we should see on the production model.

All told, the Leaf Nismo will get the full Nismo treatment on the outside, which will make appealing to hot-hatch enthusiasts all over the world.

Interior

Note: 2017 Nissan Leaf Nismo Concept pictured here.

“Just like the concept car, the production Leaf Nismo will get sportier front seats”

The interior should also have a few extra features, but don’t expect it to be radically different. Just like the concept car, the production Leaf Nismo will get only a handful of add-ons in the form of Nismo-specific trim and minor changes to the infotainment display. Look for red accents around the A/C vents and the start button, as well as red contrast stitching on the door panels and seats. The concept’s red stripe on the 12-o’clock position of the flat-bottom steering wheel should also find its way into the production model.

Arguably the biggest upgrade will be the sportier front seats. These will have heavier bolstering on the sides and a different upholstery layout. Some Nismo badge and logos could also adorn the headrests and the dashboard. Finally, we should find some Nismo goodness in the infotainment display. There should be a unique Nismo start-up screen and a few extra apps to monitor performance. Similar upgrades will be made to the digital instrument cluster too.

Drivetrain

Note: Standard Nissan Leaf pictured here.

“If previous Nismo models are any indication, there's a big chance that the Leaf won't get a power bump with the Nismo package”

Here’s where things are a little unclear as Nissan didn’t say a thing about the Leaf Nismo’s concept electric motor. This could mean two things. Either the Leaf Nismo will get the same drivetrain as the standard model or Nissan hasn’t decided on how much extra power and torque the EV will get.

Unfortunately, given that Nissan has launched quite a few Nismo models that are only as powerful as their standard siblings in recent years — including the Sentra, Note, and Micra — there’s a big chance that the Leaf won’t get a power bump with the Nismo package. And this is a pretty big issues because although the new Leaf is more powerful and returns better range compared to its predecessor, it’s still significantly inferior to the competition.

Note: 2017 Nissan Leaf Nismo Concept pictured here.

“The update will include a sport-tuned suspension and revised ECU for improved performance”

Specifically, the new Leaf comes with 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet on tap. That’s 40 horses and 49 pound-feet more than the old Leaf, but 53 horsepower and 30 pound-feet below the Chevy Bolt. Output figures for the new Tesla Model 3 aren’t yet out, but it will most definitely have at least 200 horsepower in its entry-level version. The Leaf also comes behind when it comes to range, returning up to 150 miles on a single charge. The Chevy Bolt is good for up to 238 miles, while Tesla promises 220 miles in the least expensive model and up to 310 miles in the range-topping Model 3.

You can see why Nissan needs a Nismo version with a larger battery, more oomph, and better range.

Note: 2017 Nissan Leaf Nismo Concept pictured here.

“Nissan is in dire need of a more powerful Leaf in order to remain relevant in this market”

But while the Leaf Nismo concept uses the standard drivetrain, not all hope is lost. When it launched the new Leaf, Nissan promised that a “higher power, longer ranger version at a higher price” will be launched for the 2019 model year. This could very well be the Leaf Nismo or just a normal Leaf with increased power and range. In the latter scenario the Nismo could be just an equipment update, meaning we’ll get two models with different outputs.

Whatever the case, Nissan is in dire need of a more powerful Leaf in order to remain relevant in this market.

Nissan also mentioned something about a sport-tuned suspension and a “custom-tuned computer that delivers instant acceleration at all speeds” and it’s safe to assume that the production model will get something similar. Hopefully the revised computer will make the Nismo at least a tenth-second quicker to 60 mph, even with the same drivetrain as the standard model, while the revised suspension will make it a more exciting car. A set of higher performance tires are also on the table for this model.

Prices

As with all Nismo products, it’s safe to assume that the upcoming Leaf Nismo will cost more than the standard model. The second-gen Leaf retails from $29,990 in base guise, while the range-topping Leaf SL costs $36,200 before options. The Leaf Nismo will probably cost a bit more than the SL, so expect it to fetch close to $40,000. However, with incentives and all, pricing should drop below the $35,000 mark.

Competition

Chevrolet isn’t planning on doing a higher performance version of the Bolt anytime soon — although a Bolt RS would be a good idea — but the American EV is already more powerful than the Leaf and would be on par with a souped-up Leaf Nismo. Launched for the 2017 model year, the Bolt is Chevy’s first mass-produced EV and aimed at the already popular Leaf. It’s about as big as the Leaf and boasts a premium feel on the inside, as well as a comprehensive tech package. You get Bluetooth connectivity, personalized settings, MyChevrolet App, 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, among other modern apps and features. Additionally, the Bolt is the better machine when it comes to performance, as the electric drivetrain cranks out a solid 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. The range is estimated at up to 238 miles on paper and up to 210 miles in everyday driving conditions, so you get far more than in the 150-mile Leaf. Charging takes 9.5 hours, a bit longer than the Leaf, while pricing starts at $37,495 before incentives.

Tesla’s latest and most affordable offering, the Model 3 is not yet in production and deliveries won’t commence until 2018, but once it arrives, it will be one of the best EVs on the market. While aimed at the Nissan Leaf, as Elon Musk himself pointed out a dew years ago, the Model 3 is actually slightly larger, being similar to the BMW 3 Series in size. It’s also more of a notchback rather than a classic hatchback. What’s more, it should be more powerful and quicker than the Leaf and Bolt, while providing more range than the Japanese EV. The range is estimated at 220 miles for the base model, but opt for the Long Range upgrade, and it goes up to a whopping 310 miles, double than what you get with the Leaf. Tesla’s Supercharger network also brings impressive charging time, with 30 minutes being enough for a 130-mile range in the base model. On the other hand, while the entry-level model comes in at $35,000, the Long Range upgrade and other options increase the sticker to more than $50,000. Not exactly competitive, even when compared to the Leaf Nismo.

Conclusion

The Leaf Nismo is a car that Nissan needs badly at this point, but only if this version brings increased output and better range. If Nissan chooses to sell it with the same drivetrain as the standard model, the Nismo won’t be more than a marketing scheme aimed at Millennials and EV enthusiasts who want a sportier looking vehicle. It had already been confirmed that Nissan will indeed offer a more powerful version of the Leaf, but it remains to be seen if it will be able to match the Bolt and Model 3. If this model will carry the Nismo nameplate, it will not only make a proper introduction of the badge to the electric car market, but it would also enable Nissan to stand out as the only mainstream carmaker that actually uses its high-performance division to create EVs.

If you’ve been following me, you probably know that Nissan is my favorite brand. Yeah, I know, why can’t I be a normal person and worship brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini or Bugatti? Well, I’m not in the mood to write a piece on why I like Nissan, so I’ll explain it in a few simple sentences. I think that cars made by this brand come with a lot of bang for the buck, I love its latest design language, and the massive efforts it makes to keep all motorsport projects alive. I also think that the Maxima,Juke, and Murano are exotic vehicles in their respective niches and that almost every other car or crossover have what it takes to give the competition a run for its money.

But I admit that Nissan has its own flaws. For starters, both the 370Z and GT-R are getting a bit too long in the tooth, which leaves the brand without a solid sports car lineup. Second, the Rogue and Rogue Sport are too damn similar, and the $3,000 price difference between them has cannibalization written all over it. And third, I simply can’t forgive them for giving up on the GT-R LM Nismo project at Le Mans. Nissan just gave up too soon. Which brings me to today’s rant: why can’t Nissan build every Nismo the proper way, as in with a significantly more powerful engine than the standard model? More specifically, why in the hell is the Leaf Nismo Concept — and at the same time the upcoming production car — just a regular Leaf with a nicer appearance? It’s so frustrating!

Continue reading for the full story.

What’s Wrong with the Leaf Nismo Concept?

“Nismo means more power and enhanced performance, and this is exactly what I can't find in this concept car”

I could say nothing because it has a cool, sporty exterior packed with Nismo-specific features. Seen from the outside, it says what a proper Nismo should say: “I look cool, and I’m faster, more powerful than my standard sibling.” The interior isn’t bad either with all that contrast stitching and the sportier seats. I could spend hours in that cabin with a big smile on my face every day. But it all becomes disappointing under the hood, where the Leaf Nismo Concept is just a regular Leaf.

Am I being picky here? Some would say yes because the new Leaf is significantly more powerful than the outgoing model, it has a better range, and it has many new features that make it more exciting to drive. But, I’m not. Nismo means more horsepower and enhanced performance by tradition, and this is exactly what I can’t find in this concept car.

Why Is This a Problem?

“A production Leaf Nismo with the same specs as the standard Leaf wouldn't do much to help Nissan in the current EV market”

For starters, I’m pretty certain that the production Leaf Nismo will be 99-percent identical to the concept car. Just look at it, it’s basically ready to go on the production line. The design add-ons are similar to those seen on production Nismo models, and those interior updates are definitely doable, simply because they aren’t such a big deal. And, the drivetrain… well, the drivetrain is already in production and a revised suspension isn’t something that Nissan and Nismo couldn’t develop immediately.

The big issue is that a production Leaf Nismo with the same specs as the standard Leaf wouldn’t do much to help Nissan in the current EV market. Sure, some would pay the premium to get that sexy exterior so sales wouldn’t be bad, but the issue here is that Nissan actually needs a more powerful version of the Leaf. With an output of 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet, the standard Leaf falls behind the Chevrolet Bolt (200 horsepower, 266 pound-feet) and it will probably do the same compared to the upcoming Tesla Model 3. The same happens in the range department, with the Leaf being able to deliver 150 miles, whereas both the Bolt and Model 3 are returning in excess of 200 miles.

A proper Leaf Nismo version would reduce that deficit — and maybe even deliver matching performance — but for some reason, Nissan doesn’t want that yet…

It Already Happened

Sadly, the Leaf Nismo won’t be the first Nismo to lack proper engine/motor upgrades. While the GT-R and Juke received notable drivetrain updates with the Nismo badge, cars like the Sentra,Patrol,Note, and Micra didn’t. And don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against Nismo as an appearance and suspension package, but it’s been a while since Nissan launched a proper Nismo car with a noteworthy engine under the hood.

The Nissan Leaf has been around since 2010, and it’s already one of the most popular all-electric vehicles on the road. The Japanese compact has been declared the best-selling EV in both 2013 and 2014 and sales have already surpassed 250,000 units as of 2017. On top of that, it has won numerous awards globally. Come 2017, and Nissan has launched the second-generation Leaf, a significantly improved vehicle that’s not only more appealing to look at, but also a better competitor to brand-new EVs like the Chevrolet Bolt and Tesla Model 3. And it seems that the second-gen Leaf may finally spawn a Nismo version. Or at least this is what the Leaf Nismo Concept that was built for the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show suggests.

Although it hasn’t been confirmed for production, the Leaf Nismo Concept seems ready to hit the assembly line, as every new feature it received is inspired by previous Nismo cars. As usual, it has a sportier exterior, while the interior is highlighted by contrast stitching and the Nismo-specific red trim. The drivetrain has also been upgraded with a new, sporty suspension and revised ECU. On the other hand, both the electric motor and the battery are as standard as they get, which raises some concern as to whether or not the production version of the Leaf Nismo will be an authentic Nismo vehicle or just an annoying visual package. But, let’s find out more about that in the review below.

Continue reading to learn more about the Nissan Leaf Nismo Concept.

Exterior

“One quick look at this concept is enough to notice that this EV received the full Nismo treatment”

One quick look at this concept is enough to notice that this EV received the full Nismo treatment. Sure, it still has the standard headlamps, hood, and clear blue 3D mesh pattern that looks as if crystals were frozen behind a transparent plastic lens instead of a traditional grille, but everything below is decidedly sportier.

The daytime running lights sit higher in the fascia, are thinner, and feature LED technology. They’re embedded into black covers with honeycomb patterns, which in turn are integrated into the deeply sculpted creases that mimic large intakes seen on gasoline-powered sports cars. The apron was also redesigned and now includes an aggressive splitter painted in red, the norm for Nismo-made vehicles. The hood also has a black center section, which adds to the sportiness of the car.

More Nismo goodness can be spotted onto the sides, starting with the red accents on the mirror caps and the side skirts. The roof and the A-pillars are now finished in black, while the rather mundane, standard wheels were replaced by Nismo-branded rims with a more exciting design. The lowered ride height rounds off the profile of this all-electric hot-hatch.

“The rear section also sports a number of Nismo-specific features, starting with the aerodynamically enhanced roof spoiler”

The rear section also sports a number of Nismo-specific features, starting with the aerodynamically enhanced roof spoiler. The fascia is actually identical to that of the standard model, but the bumper was revised for a more aggressive look. The old diffuser-like element was replaced by a proper, racing inspired diffuser. The unit is split into two pieces, each with two large fins, while a red stop light sits in the center just like on Formula One cars. Naturally, the diffuser is highlighted by red stripes.

Nissan claims that all these changes are more than a way to make the Leaf seem hotter. The new body elements also enhance aerodynamic performance and reduce lift. And there results were obtained without sacrificing the hatchback’s excellent drag coefficient.

Interior

“Bright red accents borrowed from other Nismo cars can be seen on the A/C bezels and the steering wheel”

Nissan didn’t have much to say about the interior, but the two photos speak for themselves. The first thing that catches the eye is that Nismo went with an almost all-black layout. This is typical for performance-oriented vehicles and it’s not particularly exciting, but at least there are a few red details that brighten up the place a bit.

These bright accents are borrowed from other Nismo cars and can be found on the A/C bezels and as a stripe at the 12 o’clock position of the steering wheel. The latter also has a flat bottom, but you shouldn’t get excited because this is an option on the production Leaf as well. The start button is also red instead of the standard blue.

Other features that set the concept apart from the production model are the sport seats with heavy bolstering and red and white stitching on the sides and seating surfaces, and more contrast stitching on the door panels. Far from spectacular for a concept car, but the Leaf Nismo is more of a production model rather than a show-off product.

Drivetrain

“The concept features a sport-tuned suspension, high-performance tires and a "custom-tuned computer"”

Drivetrain details are rather scant, but Nissan says that the concept features a sport-tuned suspension, high-performance tires and a “custom-tuned computer that delivers instant acceleration at all speeds.” There’s no specific data as to how all of the above influence the Leaf’s performance, but it’s safe to assume that it won’t break any records on the Nurburgring (unlike its GT-R Nismo sibling). The package could shave a tenth of two of the standard model’s sprint time, but since we don’t have any official ratings for the production Leaf yet, it’s impossible to estimate.

As a reminder, the recently launched Leaf uses a 40-kWh lithium-ion battery and an electric motor rated at 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The range is estimated at up to 150 miles on a single charge. With that in mind, I think it’s a bit disappointing that the concept car didn’t get the usual output increase that comes with almost all Nismo upgrades. On the other hand, this could change with the production model, given Nissan will make one.

Conclusion

Despite the “concept” tag, the Leaf Nismo is actually a production-ready show car. Those exterior add-ons aren’t something Nissan couldn’t throw on a production line, while the interior is just a slightly fancied-up version of the standard car. The drivetrain upgrades are also very doable, so this is basically a very realistic preview of a Leaf Nismo we could find in dealerships in a short while. Granted, Nissan didn’t confirm such a scenario, but it did not deny it either, so everything is possible at this point. My only complaint about this concept car is that it doesn’t have a more powerful electric motor and a higher capacity battery. In many ways, it’s very similar to the Nissan Sentra Nismo, which is identical to the range-topping production Sentra under the hood, with the Nismo package being mostly a visual upgrade. The production Leaf Nismo could be of the same variety, but I’m hoping Nissan will come to its senses and offer a higher-performance version. The thing is, the Japanese firm actually needs one since the Leaf is inferior to both the Chevrolet Bolt and Tesla Model 3 in terms of range and performance.

Last night Nissan finally unveiled the all-new 2018 Leaf, and it’s a massive improvement over the old car. The biggest news for EV fans will be the new 150-mile range. That’s nearly double what the original Leaf launched with. It’s even easier on your wallet with a starting price under $30,000, making it nearly $700 cheaper than the current model. But the best improvement is the all-new electric motor. The old car made a useable, but unimpressive 107 horsepower and 187 pound-feet of torque. But the new 2018 car makes 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, and that is more amazing than you realize.

Let us put those power numbers into perspective. The Volkswagen 2.0L TDI engine, the best “performance” fuel-economy engine on the market before the Dieselgate scandal destroyed everything, produces 150 horsepower and 238 pounds of twist.

Nissan just made a viable alternative to scorned TDI buyers.

True, the TDI had some other advantages like a massive 600+ mile range before needing to be refueled, but on a pure day-to-day performance perspective, the new Leaf might work. If you bought a TDI to make your daily commute, and you still want something that is good for the environment while providing the same level of thrust, maybe you should call your Nissan Dealer.

Yes, we do know that other alternatives like the Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model 3 have even more power and performance, but those cars also have much higher price tags. We aren’t sure about you, but we feel like people buying $26k Volkswagen’s might not be able to afford the $38,000 asking price of a Bolt.

But what do you guys think? Is the new Nissan Leaf good enough to be a real competitor in the market now? And if you are a former TDI owner, please let us now, and be sure to give us your thoughts on this new car.

The Nissan Leaf is one of the most successful electric cars available right now, but the first-generation model is getting a bit long in the tooth, and it’s quite dated when compared to the much newer Tesla Model 3 and Chevrolet Bolt. A second-gen model is underway for a 2017 launch, but Nissan is still mum on the details, and we know a bit about its design thanks to a few leaked photos. Fortunately, a Russian website got its hands on a few spec sheets, and we now know a lot more about the upcoming EV.

Arguably the most important piece of information leaked here is the pricing. Apparently set at $29,990, the base price of the new Leaf undercuts the Tesla Model 3 and Chevrolet Bolt by $5,000 and $7,500 respectively. That’s a solid plus for the Leaf, but how does it fair on the performance front? Well, output is rated at 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, a significant bump over the 107 horses and 187 pound-feet in the current model. This rating places it below the Chevy Bolt, which comes with 200 horsepower and 266 pound-feet of torque. A comparison to Model 3 isn’t yet possible as Tesla has yet to release the full details. The battery capacity is at 40 kWh, down from the Bolt’s 60 kWh and the Model 3’s 50 or optional 75 kWh capacity, but up from the previous Leaf’s 30 kWh.

All the evidence suggest that the new 2018 Nissan LEAF is shaping up to be a much better car than its predecessor. It’ll come with some semi-autonomous features and improved efficiency, a key part of which is a new shape that is so slippery (aerodynamics-wise), you may want to put a harness on it!

It’s all great of course, but if the 2018 Nissan LEAF is going to look anything like its predecessor – which is to say, crap – all that technology is not going to help it sell. Fortunately, as the teaser image above and the silhouette below show, the new LEAF looks a lot sharper than the outgoing model:

The improvement in aerodynamics of the new Nissan LEAF has been achieved by employing a number of tricks. First there is the shape of the whole thing which is, sort of, teardrop inspired by airplane wings. The engineers have also lowered it to the ground, reducing drag and improving stability while making it easier for the accelerating mass to cut through the air. Other new design features significantly stabilize the car when hit by strong crosswinds, meaning you will enjoy an overall much more refined driving experience.

The debut of the second-gen, 2018 Nissan Leaf is just a couple short months away, so it should come as no surprise that Nissan is teasing its resident EV as much as it can. So far, we’ve seen a shot of the headlight, the grille, and a video that shows how the brand’s new ProPilot, semi-autonomous driving system works. And, based on spy shots we’ve seen, the next-gen leaf is going to be quite attractive in comparison to the current model. Now, Nissan has released yet another teaser, and dropped another bombshell on us – it’s known as E-Pedal, and it’s set to revolutionize your driving experience… or make you hate the future of driving even more.

Designed as a single-pedal system, the e-pedal automatically controls braking and acceleration based on foot position. So, when accelerating, it acts just like your normal, everyday accelerator pedal, but what it does beyond that is something else. See, when you begin to lift your foot off, the car will automatically begin to slow down, which one would assume has a greater braking effect than the usual coasting you get in most cars. If you take your foot completely off of the pedal in operation, the car will automatically stop itself, with the big selling point being that it will even stop and hold on a hill, all based on the input of your foot on a single pedal. You have to admit that it sounds pretty promising, and it’s another step toward fully autonomous cars, but will people actually make use of it and trust it? Well, that remains to be seen. Keep reading to see a short video and to learn more about the upcoming 2018 Nissan Leaf.

Slow teasing campaigns quickly become wearisome and after a while you just start to hate whatever it is they are teasing. But in the case of the new 2018 Nissan LEAF there are so many new things about the car that in order to make sure they are all understood Nissan has to be slow, revealing them one at a time.

And so the latest teaser for 2018 Nissan LEAF tells about a wonderful new feature called the e-Pedal. Basically, what the e-Pedal does is eliminate the need for the brake pedal. You can operate the car using only the accelerator as it serves the purpose of both traditional pedals. Press it and you go forward, release it and the braking process starts.

This is a feature currently workable only with electric cars because of their unique driving characteristics. But don’t worry, you don’t need to re-learn how to drive, even in the 2018 Nissan LEAF. They give you the option to turns this feature on and off with a switch.So you don’t have to use it. After a while though, you are going to want to use the e-pedal, especially in traffic where you no longer need to constantly brake and accelerate. It can all be done with one pedal, or the job can be relegated entirely to an autonomous co-driver.

It seems that car makers these days put a lot of thought and energy in giving their important models some sort of an X factor or a theme, a cool little something you can associate with that particular model. For the new Audi A8 it’s AI, and for the 2018 Nissan LEAF it appears to be the ProPILOT features.

So after the first teaser showed us the semi-autonomous ProPILOT for the 2018 Nissan LEAF, this one shows off the ProPILOT Park system which is an automated parking assist. It’s an impressive feature,not long ago reserved only for the most high-end luxury cars, which reduces the stress of driving and makes life easier for the owner of the car.

The way 2018 Nissan LEAF ProPILOT Park system operates is thorough the data it gathers form its sonars and cameras. It can do parallel, angled, front or straight back-in parking by fully taking over the accelerator, steering and the brakes, although you can intervene and brake manually if necessary.

“This technology represents another milestone in Nissan’s ongoing commitment to bringing accessible, advanced driver assistance technologies to mainstream vehicles. Set to make driving safer and more enjoyable, the development of ProPILOT technologies is part of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the company’s blueprint for transforming how cars are driven, powered and integrated into society.”

The bubbly and funky, first-generation Nissan Leaf is on its way out to make way for the second-gen model that promises to bring largely improved exterior looks, as much as 200 miles of range on a single charge, and an improved interior. Of course, we’ve only seen spy shots and a few teasers that go with a number of rumors that have been floating around. So far, we’ve seen two teaser photos – one of a wildly revamped headlight that is about as modern as it gets, and one of an all-new instrument cluster. Furthermore, we know that it will come with Nissan’s ProPilot system, which should be able to handle at least stop-and-go traffic on the highway. Now, Nissan has taken to Twitter to expose us to a third teaser, one that shows off the next-gen’s new “grille,” which really looks more like a piece of abstract art than it does an according-to-Hoyle grille. But, this baby is all-electric, so there’s really no need for anything traditional, right?

On top of this, Nissan has also announced that the new Leaf will make its debut on September 6, 2017, which means the order books should open shortly thereafter since it is coming to market for 2018. Its primary competition will be the Tesla Model 3 and the Chevy Bolt EV, with pricing likely to start in the mid-to-low $30,000 range. So, with that said, let’s take a quick look at the newest teaser along with the two that came before it to see just what the new Leaf is going to be working with.

The Nissan Leaf came to be in 2010 as the company’s first mass-produced, all-electric passenger car. Built on a bespoke platform based on the familiar Nissan B architecture it uses a synchronous electric motor and a range of battery packs that deliver up to 107 miles per charge. Although it has proven quite popular in several markets around the world, the first-generation Leaf has become rather dated now that GM has launched the Chevrolet Bolt and Opel Ampera-e, while Tesla rolled out the Model 3. Nissan is looking to catch up with the competition with a redesigned model that broke cover ahead of the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show.

With more than 283,000 units sold globally as of September 2017, the Nissan Leaf is still the world’s best-selling affordable, mass-produced electric vehicle. But with the Chevy Bolt and Tesla Model 3 now in the picture, Nissan may have to cope with losing some of that market share. But the Japanese are ready to put up a good fight, as the new Leaf is a significant departure from the first-generation model. Sportier and more appealing to look at, it has a more upscale interior with new technology and a revised drivetrain with significantly more power and better range. Will it have what it takes to compete with the world’s most advanced EVs? Let’s find out below.

Between failed attempts to troll Tesla, and the range anxiety associated with electric cars, the Nissan Leaf really doesn’t receive the credit it deserves. I mean, don’t get me wrong; it is kind of ugly and looks like the bug-eyed bastard child that would result from a Lotus banging an early Honda Civic hatchback, but that’s ok. In the end, the Nissan Leaf has become the world’s best-selling, highway-capable electric car, with more than a quarter-million examples sold in the time it’s been on the market. So, despite all the negativity it gets, it really is an iconic car. And, that icon is about to go through a generational shift that will bring it up to speed and ready to compete with cars like the Tesla Model 3 and Chevy Bolt. As of now, we have almost no idea of what it will look like outside of a teaser image of the headlight that Nissan released a few months ago, but Nissan has just announced that it will be one of the first models to get its new ProPilot driver-assist feature.

Details are scant as of this writing, and Nissan has yet to even announce a rough timeframe for the next-gen Leaf’s arrival, but if you want an idea of how the ProPilot system works, you can look back to the Piloted Drive 1.0 Concept from 2015, which pretty much handled autonomous driving in heavy highway traffic. That’s pretty much what the next-gen Leaf will be able to accomplish as well. It should function similarly to that of Tesla’s AutoPilot, GM’s SuperCruise, and Audi’s traffic-jam assist feature. The question is whether or not you’ll feel like you’re being driven by a “skilled driver” as Nissan described it when debuting that aforementioned concept. Well, let’s take a look at the short video Nissan released and see what it has to say today.

For an electric vehicle which is supposed to be cool and trendy, the Nissan LEAF sure does not care much about its looks. The hatchback has been around for years now without any major design upgrade, but that it about to change with the introspection of the 2018 Nissan LEAF which is due soon.

Nissan has not given a definite date for the debut of the 2018 Nissan LEAF, but they have divulged information about its advanced features. One such feature is the new ProPILOT system which makes the LEAF all but autonomous, at least in single-lane highway driving. But this is a first step toward full autonomy.

At the touch of a button the ProPILOT takes over the steering, brakes, and acceleration control of the vehicle, turning highway traffic jams a bit less annoying. You still have to sit there, but you won’t have to deal with stopping and going and steering. You could instead play with your phone, or read a book.

Gareth Dunsmore, Director of Electric Vehicles, Nissan Europe said: “The ultimate embodiment of Nissan Intelligent Mobility, the new Nissan LEAF will be the most advanced, accessible EV on the market, today. Adding ground-breaking ProPILOT technology to the new Nissan LEAF will prove invaluable in unlocking many of the benefits of electric vehicles, creating less congested, cleaner cities for future generations.”

Heathrow airport in London becomes the world’s first facility of its kind to use a production electric vehicle as part of its official fleet. The EV in question is the Nissan LEAF and during the first phase they have added 17 of them to the fleet with hopes to encourage the many third parties that operate thousands of vehicles around the Heathrow campus to follow suit.

Granted, 17 is not a big number when you realize there are more than 8,000 vehicles are licensed to operate airside at Heathrow, but it’s a beginning. Of the 17 Nissan LEAF Heathrow fleet cars 12 are being operated airside by teams including security and baggage and another five being used as pool cars. The zero emission vehicle is the first step in Heathrow’s plans to to reduce emissions and improve local air quality.

Peter Leeming, Head of Operational Strategy at Heathrow, said: “Through Heathrow 2.0, our plan for sustainable growth, we are aiming to establish Heathrow as a world-leading airport in reducing emissions from all sources of activity. A key part of this is by targeting the conversion of 100% of Heathrow’s cars and small vans to electric or plug-in hybrid by 2020, with ultra-low emission standards for all airside vehicles to follow by 2025. We trialled the Nissan LEAF and found it was the perfect fit for many of our teams and the types of journeys they make. The trial went seamlessly, and within months we placed our order and put the LEAF into full time service.”

A bunch of electric car enthusiasts who call their outfit Plug In Adventures have decided to enter Mongol Rally 2017 in a specially-prepared Nissan LEAF AT-EV (All Terrain Electric Vehicle). This Nissan LEAF Rally Car is supposed to drive 10,000 miles / 16,000 km from the UK to Mongolia in summer 2017.

That seems like an awfully long way and a painful trip in a car that runs out of juice every 100 miles or so and then takes hours to recharge. You would think they have fitted the Nissan LEAF Rally Car with some special batteries or super fast charging at least. But you’d be wrong. They have kitted-out the car for rough terrain, but the powertrain is a standard 30kWh unit.

Chris Ramsey, founder of Plug In Adventures, said: “The Mongol Rally is our most challenging electric vehicle drive to date, but it’s one we’ve been planning for a number of years. Not only will we face a dwindling number of EV chargers the further east we go, the terrain also becomes more difficult to navigate.

A bunch of electric car enthusiasts who call their outfit Plug In Adventures have decided to enter Mongol Rally 2017 in a specially-prepared Nissan LEAF AT-EV (All Terrain Electric Vehicle). This Nissan LEAF Rally Car is supposed to drive 10,000 miles / 16,000 km from the UK to Mongolia in summer 2017.

That seems like an awfully long way and a painful trip in a car that runs out of juice every 100 miles or so and then takes hours to recharge. You would think they have fitted the Nissan LEAF Rally Car with some special batteries or super fast charging at least. But you’d be wrong. They have kitted-out the car for rough terrain, but the powertrain is a standard 30kWh unit.

Chris Ramsey, founder of Plug In Adventures, said: “The Mongol Rally is our most challenging electric vehicle drive to date, but it’s one we’ve been planning for a number of years. Not only will we face a dwindling number of EV chargers the further east we go, the terrain also becomes more difficult to navigate.

When it comes to electric cars, the biggest turn off is the low range associated with most models. The Nissan Leaf, for instance, comes standard with a 24 kWh battery pack that offers just 84 miles of range between charges. Of course, there’s the Leaf SV that comes with a 30 kWh battery and a total range of about 107 miles, but to get that model (and the extra 23 miles of range that comes with it,) you have to shell out an extra $5,190. All of that is about to change, however, as a new order guide has revealed that the 24 kWh version of the Leaf will no longer be offered. But, that doesn’t mean you’ll have to shell out $34,200 to get into a new leaf.

Instead of dropping the entry-level Leaf altogether, Nissan got the bright idea to ax the 24 kWh battery and replace it with a 30 kWh battery. But to go along with that, the price for the entry-level Leaf S is also being increased by $3,440 to a total of $32,450. That makes the entry-level model just $1,750 cheaper than the mid-range Leaf SV. The Quick Charge Package is also now included as a standard feature, which surely helps Nissan feel justified in that massive price hike.

In fairness, the Leaf has performed quite well in comparison to other electric models in the first half of 2016. According to Fleet Carma, 5793 examples of the Leaf were sold through June 30, 2016, only being outsold by the Tesla Model S,Chevy Volt,Ford Fusion Energi PHEV, and the Tesla Model X. Competitors like the Fiat 500e,Volkswagen e-Golf, and Soul EV all failing to reach even half of the Leaf’s total sales through the end of June. Nissan did tell Green Car Reports that if a customer still wishes to purchase a Leaf S with a 24-kWh battery, he or she can visit the Nissan USA website or their local dealer to locate a 24-kWh model.

Nissan and Microsoft are volting in and joining forces after the Japanese automaker announced that all Nissan LEAF models and Infiniti models in Europe would be be fitted with the company’s new Connect Telematics Systems connectivity platform. More importantly, these platforms will be powered by Microsoft Azure, a program that provides a global cloud platform that will allow car owners to have a remote connection to their vehicles, even when they’re not inside their respective cars.

Like most connectivity platforms that have been introduced at the Consumer Electronics Show, Nissan’s Azure-powered CTS platform will open up a world of new mobility and technological solutions for owners of the Nissan LEAF and Infiniti models across the pond. Among the notable features of the CTS is the ability to use mobile phones as substitute remote controls that will be capable of adjusting in-car controls from a distance.

A Hands-Free Text Messaging Assistant will also be introduced as a standard feature for all Nissan LEAFs around the world. Imagine the convenience of not having to read through and reply to text messages by hand. This feature cuts out that tedious and often dangerous practice, replacing it with a system that can read the text out loud to the driver and allow the driver respond by voice or through pre-set responses that can be accessed via switches on the steering wheel. Instead of having to write down “on my way” in response to a text, a driver can just say it out loud or press a button on the wheel to send the same message.

Nissan’s promise to deliver a more innovative and intelligent future for its connected technologies took a big step with its partnership with one of the biggest tech companies in the world. With this collaboration with Microsoft in place, Nissan is definitely on its way to making good on all of its promises.

Around since late 2010, the Nissan Leaf has yet to receive an overhaul, but while a second-generation model might still be a few years away, the Japanese did launch an update for the 2016 model year. Those of you waiting for a visual facelift will be disappointed, though, as the body carries over unchanged. On the other hand, there are plenty of upgrades to talk about in the drivetrain department, as well as a mildly updated interior.

With 180,000 units sold globally as of June 2015, the Nissan Leaf is the world’s all-time, best-selling, highway-capable electric car, a distinction it’s likely to retain following this update. The 2014 Nissan Leaf topped the EV/hybrid segment in the U.S. too, delivering 30,200 examples in 2014, a massive 33 percent increase over 2013 and the first time an electric car has sold 30K units. By comparison, its closest competitors (in terms of sales, of course), the 2014 Chevrolet Volt and 2315 Tesla Model S, sold only 18,805 and 17,410 units, respectively.

Will Leaf sales continue to grow now that the hatchback can be had with an upgraded drivetrain? It remains to be seen really, but with a range that now surpasses the 100-mile mark, the Leaf is likely to get a lot of attention. Keep reading for the full details.